Mestrino between churches, villas and Roman traces

Mestrino combines a multifaceted local history with landscapes and paths that open up different ways of exploring northern Italy. The western part of the municipality, including Arlesega, belongs to the “Pianura tra Padova e Vicenza” landscape area, while the rest is assigned to the “Pianura Agropolitana Centrale” landscape area. Today’s transport route also reaches far back into history: the Strada Mestrina, now SS 11, follows the route of the Roman road from Patavium to Vicetia.

Roman traces along the old route

In Arlesega, the road station Statio Ad Finem stood along the Roman road between Padua and Vicenza. Historically, travellers were provided with food and overnight accommodation there. The connection between the route, provisions and local history is complemented by further finds: Roman wine amphorae have frequently been discovered in the municipality of Mestrino. In 1812, a funerary stele from the Roman imperial period dedicated to C. Acilius was discovered at an unspecified location on the road to Vicenza. A Neolithic spearhead made of reddish flint was also found in the Mestrino hamlet of Lissaro.

Churches with art from several centuries

San Bartolomeo offers an introduction to the town’s history of sacred art. The main altar comes from San Francesco della Vigna in Venice. Its paliotto is attributed to Baldassare Longhena, while the sculptural group depicting the Annunciation was created by Pietro Baratta. Two oil paintings on wood are located on the ceiling of the nave: they depict the martyrdom and glorification of Saint Bartholomew and were created by Silvio Travaglia and Antonio Soranzo.

Arlesega also has several historical points of interest. The surviving frescoes on the main façade of Villa Contarini Raffaella are attributed to a follower of Zelotti. The villa complex dates from the 16th century and includes 18th-century barchesse, the remains of a 16th-century stable and an Italian garden. In the southeastern corner of the garden, a chapel stands on the Ceresone; it has been documented since 1605. At the northern end of the path running through the estate stands a dovecote. Only a few ruins of Arlesega Castle remain today.

In Lissaro, too, ecclesiastical history reaches far back. The hospital church of Santa Maria del Zocco already existed in 1252. The parish church of Lissaro was replaced by a single-nave new building designed by the architect Antonio Diedo and consecrated on 27 August 1910. Its main altar contains a painting of the Baptism of Jesus by Gerolamo Tessari, “del Santo”, from 1532. The church also has a 1545 altarpiece depicting the enthroned Madonna between Saints Justina, Peter, Paul and Helena, attributed to Stefano dell’Arzere.

San Michele Arcangelo is also part of the local ecclesiastical history. The church became an independent parish in 1907; before that, it is mentioned in 1297 as dependent on the Pieve di Lissaro.

Traditions and the historic town centre

A distinctive local tradition is the Palio dell’Asino di Lissaro. This is a traditional she-ass race involving Lissaro’s eight contrade, held during the village festival for the patronal feast of Saint John the Baptist. After fifteen years, the Palio was granted the status of a recognised regional historic local event.

Another historic point of interest is the Osteria dei fratelli Beggio in the historic centre of Mestrino. It was a rare 17th- to 18th-century inn and included former stables as well as extensive porticoes that once served passing travellers.

Paths by the water and different route lengths

The Percorso dell’Asino runs along the embankments of the Ceresone and Tesina rivers and connects Arlesega di Mestrino with Veggiano. The route begins on Via Kennedy in Arlesega and includes a 6-kilometre and a 15-kilometre route. In addition, the Percorso dell’Asino is connected to the cycle path along the Bacchiglione. The two stated route lengths provide a clear basis if you would like to divide your time between local history, paths by the water and a longer cycling circuit.

Mestrino can therefore be viewed from different perspectives when planning a trip: churches and villas represent art and architectural history, Roman finds reflect the more distant past, while the Ceresone, Tesina and Bacchiglione shape the routes through the area. If you are considering a hotel in Mestrino, your choice of location can be guided by this focus: historic churches and villas, traces of the old connection between Padua and Vicenza, or the 6- and 15-kilometre routes of the Percorso dell’Asino.

More destinations

Sarmeola, Pernumia, Lissaro, Piove Di Sacco, Polverara, Ronchi Di Campanile, Anguillara Veneta, Este

For the higher-level travel overview: Padua.